Spring? Hey Ho, Let's Go!

Let's just say Momma N gave us a nice preview of what's to come this week, Spring-wise.

After a nasty week of winter-rebounding, this new week seemed to have turned the page. The final week of Winter treated us to spring-like temps with all kinds of sunshine. Of course, there was the requisite wind (frankly, I think it's here to stay)...and things did turn a bit chilly in the final days. 

But, alas, I do believe the frigid worst is behind us.

Before I spill all the details, welcome to the Weekly Run Down!

I love hosting this link-up with Deborah (from Confessions of a Mother Runner)! If you write a fitness-based blog, you're invited to join the party. The link-up opens at 8:00AM (EST) on Sundays and remains open through noon on Monday. We love reading about everyone's weekly fitness endeavors, training highlights (or low lights) and race recaps. We ask that you link back to both hosts, and we encourage you to read/comment on the other linked blogs as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

Anyways, here's what went down in my little world of fitness and fun this week:

A sensational sun-filled Sunday!

With morning temps in the just-above freezing zone (and afternoon temps approaching the mid-50's), it was hard to believe I'd endured one of the coldest (and windiest) races of my life the day prior. Unfortunately, with the hubby out of town (until mid-afternoon), I was on house arrest with my dear little Max in the morning (he's recovering from ACL surgery and needs constant supervision to remain as "immobile" as possible). It also was Day-6 of the Week of Pi Challenge, so I took the run to the 'mill (ugh) and then did a 15-mile ride on the indoor bike.

Never Miss a (Birthday Pi) Monday.

For the Week of Pi grand finale, I hit the streets for 3.14 birthday miles. I realize it's a quirky thing, but I think it's pretty cool having a quirky National Day that coincides with my birthday. If that's not an invitation for having some fun, then I don't know what is. Anyways, I simply had to don the festive tights (brought back from NOLA , via the hubby) and relish the run. That "lost" hour of sleep may have given me a semi-dark sky, but things were brightening up by the time I finished my run. Later, there were a couple of 1-mile walks at work.

Two-for-Tuesday.

For the past month or so, I've been keeping my Tuesdays low-key (at least for my legs) and focusing on upper-body work. I knocked out two Peloton upper-body workouts in the wee hours, and snuck in a 1-mile walk during my morning break. After work, Sebbe and I pedaled for 10 miles before dinner (he's my stationary bike, BTW).

Double-Run Wednesday!

It's not very often I have the option (or desire) to do two runs on the same day. For starters, Barb and I met up for a #5at5 (it had been a few weeks since we'd done so). In looking ahead at the weather forecast, it was looking cloudy and rainy for the full moon's appearance on Thursday (and Friday). What to do? Allison and I decided to take advantage of Wednesday's ideal conditions and run that evening. The thing is, the moon was looking pretty full for both of my runs, so that was a total win-win. Also, there were two 1-mile walks, at work, under the full sun. 

Double workout day, St. Patrick's style.

Daniel is one of my favorite Peloton instructors, and he's also an Irish lad. As a tribute, I stacked two of his workouts for my morning, and Holy Yikes! He totally shredded me green backside and left me shoulders smoldering as well. Seriously, everything was throbbing and burning! I got out for a quick 1-mile walk before the rain hit...and stayed inside thereafter. After work, I stacked a couple of other classes - a cycling class (12 miles of intervals and climbs) and more arms/shoulders toning.

 

Finally Friday.

 Amazingly, I didn't have any DOMS greeting me upon wake-up (I attribute that to the evening's cycling), but my body was feeling pretty fatigued none the less.  The previous day's rain was still in the forecast, the temps had fallen to the upper 30F's, and the wind was blowing like crazy (18mph). Umm, that would be a big No Thank You. I decided to do a few (or 10) more miles of cycling to keep the legs in motion. I was able to get out for a quick 1-mile walk afterwards...and that was the end of any and all outdoor action for the day. 

A Sunny (albeit slow) Long Run Saturday.

Thankfully, all of the rain had moved on. Barb and I waited until 7:30 for our meet-up, hoping the slick streets would have thawed in the morning sun. Don't be fooled by the smile amidst the bright sunshine, this 8-mile run was a tough endeavor. Sometimes, giving 100% looks much different than how it feels. My body had been feeling tired, and fighting a strong wind (14mph) on a cold morning (36F with a 25F feels-like) had me tapping into my grit reserve. But, I can do hard things, and I'm quite grateful for that ability. 

What's on tap for Sunday?

The forecast is calling for a warm and sunny day, with much less wind (can I get an Amen?). I might attempt a short recovery run, but I do plan on some early-morning cycling. There will be plenty more NCAA basketball on the roster (the Spartans take on the Duke Blue Devils late afternoon), but I am also hoping for some walking in the sunshine. I've said it before, movement is magic...and my body recovers best when it's in motion.

In summary, this was a pretty action-packed week. I'll be recapping the highlights from the Week of Pi, but suffice it to say it was a success. Running kept me busy with just over 22 miles. Walking was meh with nine (I attribute that to my being housebound with Max). Biking was decently conservative with 47 miles. It felt good to bring back some lower-body focused work, though I do favor upper-body strength work a bit more. No apologies.

In case you missed out, here's what else went down on the blog this week:

Winter's Revenge

Shamrock Shuffle Race Recap

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. With my Hawkeyes out of the picture (see below), I'm all about cheering on the remaining Big 10 teams. The Michigan State Spartans are my favorites, having lived in the East Lansing area many years ago. I got this sweatshirt in 2000, right after they won the NCAA championship game, but I had to modify it:

-1) I detest crewnecks, so I cut the sweatshirt's neckline into a scoop-neck

-2) I don't like ribbed cuffs, (they look too poofy, LOL), so I cut those off as well

-3) Ribbed hemlines hit me in an awkward place (actually, I think they're unflattering on most people), so I cropped that also. Problem(s) solved.

As most know, my birthday was on Monday. It was a pretty sweet day, filled with numerous texts, messages, greetings on social media, and the two daughters surprised me by showing up for dinner. 

Finally, they don't call it March Madness for nothing. After riding the high from winning Sunday's Big 10 Championship, the Iowa men's team fell to Richmond on Thursday...Day-1 of the NCAA tournament play. What's more, several other top-seeded teams also were defeated over the course of the first three days of games. My basketball demeanor went from total bliss to (almost) complete frustration. Oh well, it's all in good fun, right???

So that's the latest. All is well that ends well, and I'm glad to be moving out of the winter season. Of course, I realize the warmer temps are still going to have some cold sprinkled in there...hopefully the last of the heavy snow and ice is history for the next several months. Fingers crossed! 

How are things in your world? Does it (finally) feel like Spring has sprung? Or is Winter still in a holding pattern? Any fun races on the calendar? Did you catch the full moon? Did you have any bracket-busting games this weekend?

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